Stroll through the cobbled streets in the centre of Rome and get lost in its picturesque neighbourhoods. Live the history when you walk through its countless ruins, vestiges and silent witnesses made of stone. Oh what if they could speak!
Imagine an Audrey Hepburn of the 21st century -or a Gregory Peck, of course- traveling around Rome on a Vespa, with her loose hair and sunglasses. Imagine a terrace in Trastevere, with its red checkered tablecloth and a bottle of wine on the table. Imagine tossing a coin to the Trevi Fountain or having an espresso on the Spanish Steps. Imagine yourself happy and free. Imagine yourself in Rome!
Rome is a destination where children can have fun while the parents walk through its streets and discover the charms of the Eternal City. Young kids usually receive a discount or free entrance in the majority of historical buildings. This is a list of some very interesting sites to visit exclusively with children in the Italian city.
It is the most famous park of the Italian capital and is considered the green heart of the city. It was the garden of the private residence of the Borghese family during the Renaissance. Therefore, it is full of palaces, historic buildings and “Italian-style” gardens. It is a great place for a walk with the kids, do a picnic or rent some bicycles. You will like the Lake of Asclepius. Here you will find ducks, geese, turtles and carps. If you feel like it, you can even make a small boat trip.
There are also other fun places for children such as the Museum of zoology in via Aldrovandi, the Cinema dei Piccoli and the Casina di Raffaello. It is opened every day and entrance is free. The museum is located in the centre of Rome and it is easy to get there by metro or bus.
It is a zoological garden located in a privileged place of Rome. It was inaugurated in 1911 and is located in the northern area of Villa Borghese. More than 200 species of animals live here and can be discovered by everyone! Surely, the areas that your children will like the most are the Reptilia, the African Savanna, the House of the Elephants and the Farm.
It is a great museum to visit with a family. It covers more than 8,000 square meters and has rooms and outdoor spaces with games, laboratories to explore, bookstores and a restaurant for children. It is divided into several themed rooms: water games, orchards, activities of 5 senses designed for children under 3 years old… Children of all ages can visit this place and learn more while playing. It is situated within Villa Borghese and the entrance is 8 euros.
This is a complete theme park with – of course – roller coasters, water attractions, a children’s area, musicals and dance shows… It is a perfect place to spend a day full of fun for both adults and children. It is located just outside of Rome, but it is easy to get there: you can go by train to the Valmontone station and, once there, take a free bus to the Rainbow MagicLand. All the attractions, games and performances of the park are included in the ticket price. Children who have a height of less than one meter get free entree.
The Planetarium of Rome is in an enclosure of 300 square meters covered by a dome that digitally “encloses” the Universe. From more than 100 reclining seats, visitors can see this spectacular creation.
To continue with the experience; the Astronomical Museum has interactive spaces and exhibitions of galaxies and planets for children to learn about. The two facilities are in the district of the EUR (Esposizione Universale Roma), a less popular area but which is easy to reach by public transport.
This place is amazing. Time Elevator is a time machine in which you can travel to the beginnings of Rome and discover its legends and heroic deeds in a 5D experience. The history of Romulus and Remus, the fall of Julius Caesar, the construction of the Sistine Chapel… and not forgetting to mention the fact that you can also see monuments such as the Colosseum or the Baths of Caracalla in all its splendour, among many other mythical places of ancient Rome. And, not only from the capital of Italy! You can even go further back in time and experience the disappearance of dinosaurs and the evolution of man.
How is all of this possible? Well thanks to the three panoramic screens, seats that are supported on mobile platforms, a very realistic surround sound and amazing video effects. You can choose from the many available features and view them separately or together; there are features for all ages. You can choose the language (Italian, Spanish, English, French, German or Russian) of the projections, which, by the way, last 45 minutes each.
This palace was built in 1573 as a summer residence for the papacy. After the unification of Italy, it became the Palace of the Royal House; since 1947, it is the home of the President of the Republic. Daily, at 3 o’clock in the afternoon, the Changing of the Guard ceremony takes place. It is not as well known as the one that takes place in London, but it is something worth seeing. It is accompanied by orchestral music which can be very striking for children.
This is one of the most loving districts of Rome. It is great for tourists because in its streets there are not many agglomerations in spite of the great offer of restaurants, shops and leisure facilities. Travellers and locals are keen to occupy their squares, especially around the Basilica of Santa Maria, where there are many narrow streets with ice cream parlours, terraces and craft shops. On Sundays you can visit the Porta Portese market, where they sell a large variety of products.
It was awarded in the neighbourhood category in 1921 but it is also one of the seven hills of the city. It is a residential area that is close to the Colosseum and the Roman Forum. Here the famous Via San Giovanni in Laterano is located, with some of the best known environments of the city.
It means Campus Martius and it is named after the altar that was there, dedicated to the god Mars. It is an area with many shops that are crowded on weekends. Via del Corso street can also be found here; large, long and full of high fashion boutiques. In this neighbourhood you will also find the famous Piazza di Spagna, always full of travellers and locals. Also the Pantheon, the Ara Pacis Museum and Piazza del Popolo are located here, as well as many delicious restaurants.
A State within Rome, the smallest sovereign country in the world and the city of the Holy See and residence of the Pope. The Vatican is one of the main tourist attractions of Rome, both for the faithful Catholics who make the pilgrimage to receive the blessing of the Pope, and for non-believers – who are art lovers – who would like to see the wonders of the Italian Renaissance: The Sistine Chapel, the Vatican Museums or the Basilica of San Pedro…
Here you will find one of the most famous fountains in the world, the Trevi Fountain. As far as its known streets, you will find the Via del Corso that leads to the Piazza del Popolo, Piazza di Spagna, the Pantheon and Piazza Venezia. The Piazza and the Palazzo Barberini are also located here, as well as the Palazzo del Quirinale.
The Piazza Navona occupies a large part of the area. Also the well-known Campo dei Fiori, where you can buy all kinds of food and have a drink in one of the bars in the afternoon. Continuing towards the south you will reach the Jewish quarter, with many restaurants that serve typical kosher recipes.
It means pineapple (pine) and it gets this name because -it’s what they say- a sculpture with this form was found here during the Renaissance. Today you can see it in the gardens of the Vatican Museums. In this neighbourhood the famous Pantheon and Largo di Torre Argentina are situated, a square with four Republican Roman temples and the remains of the Theater of Pompey. If you like animals, in this square you can visit the shelter of street cats, many tourists leave donations and spend time with the kittens.
While it is true that Italian cuisine has crossed borders, considered a universal cuisine, it is also true that -among the huge variety of recipes that are part of this cuisine- the pizzas and pastas are those that have transcended the most. Obviously we can not make a city guide of Rome and not mention those two dishes, however in this section we will recommend some restaurants where you can try the traditional cuisine and where you will discover that there is more than only pizza.
La Porta del Principe
The place is beautiful, with manicured gardens full of vegetation. It is a buffet that changes dishes every day, at an affordable price for the quality it offers. It serves a variety of typical Italian recipes, simple but they will not disappoint you. The staff -the ones that tried the food as well- is also very enthusiastic about the place. The food is described as “very rich, delicious, spectacular”. In this restaurant it is common to see celebrations of birthdays or communions.
Pipero Roma
They praise the good work of the chef on the tasting menu of this restaurant, which consists of 6 courses and wine. The choice of modern Italian recipes is extensive and the wine list, it is so good that it makes it difficult to choose. Customers recommend the carpaccio of fish, vegetables and lamb. The atmosphere is elegant and the location is very good.
La Pérgola
The tasting menu is extensive and the most popular dishes are meat and fish. The chef is recognised throughout Europe and customers say that the dining experience there is unique, very luxurious. The place has a classical decoration with beautiful views. The price, however, is quite high.
Da Felice a Testaccio
The restaurant that has existed a lifetime (opened in 1936). The Trivelloni family has been serving one of the best pastas in the city for three generations, on the Via Mastro Giorgio. His specialty is “tonnarelli cacio e pepe”, spaghetti with cheese and pepper that you will never forget.
Da Enzo al 29
Mr. Enzo opened this trattoria in the middle of Trastevere more than 50 years ago and today their popularity is huge among locals and well-informed tourists. It is recommended to make a reservation early because the combination of good food and good prices make many people go to this place.
Alfredo e Ada
Chiara Fortini and her father run this restaurant inherited from her grandfather which has been open since 1946. They take care of everything, from the kitchen to table service. It is a family restaurant, small (only 5 tables) where the menu changes every day -depends on the available products that day- and where the schedules depend a bit on the desire of their owners. Their speciality is “spezzatino” a stew of meat and we recommend you to make a reservation first.
La Fraschetta di Mastro Giorgio
This traditional Roman inn is a classic among Roman fraschettas / taverns. You can taste the best Italian meats, cheeses and wines in large quantities for a good price. If you are in the area of Mastro Giorgio, it is recommended that you visit this ‘Roman Tavern to feel the atmosphere and taste its specialities.
Li Rioni a Santiquatrro
Only a few steps from the Colosseum you will find a pizzaria with an extensive and varied menu for good prices. They serve authentic pizzas, thin and crunchy, tiny (individual) and with some fresh and seasonal ingredients. It is also worth trying their specialty: rice croquette with cheese and tomato.
Pizzeria da Baffetto
Near Piazza Navona, this small pizzeria is located, considered by many to be one of the best in the whole city. Fresh ingredients, crunchy pizzas and thin dough and low fat. All served in what they say is the oldest pizzeria in Rome. To have an idea: 4 individual pizzas, 1 salad to share, house wine and 2 tiramisu: 15€ per person.
Pizzería Loffredo
This modest restaurant on the Via Vestricio Spurinna serves pizzas of dough not as fine as the previous ones but superior to all in quality and taste. These pizzas are tiny with inflated edges and loaded with ingredients. It is not located in a central area but in a more humble neighbourhood on the outskirts of Rome.
When you visit Italy you cannot forget to try its delicious ice creams. Below you find some suggestions!